Ohio vs Illinois State Prediction College Basketball Picks 11/12/24

The Ohio Bobcats are visiting the Illinois State Redbirds on Tuesday, November 12th at the CEFCU Arena. We will look at this from a betting perspective and determine the best bets for this game. Here’s an Ohio Bobcats vs. Illinois State Redbirds Prediction.

Illinois State Redbirds Preview

The Illinois State Redbirds have a 1-1 record this season and are tied with seven more teams in the fourth place of the Missouri Valley. They are 0-1 at home (0-1 against the spread) and 1-1 in over/under.

Offensively, Illinois State is bottom-100 in the nation with 71 points per game (281st), while defensively they are in the middle of the pack, allowing 67.5 points per game (140th). The Redbirds are struggling with their shooting, with just 38% from the field (329th), and 26.2% from beyond the arc (304th). 

Illinois State is coming off a 77-68 road win against North Dakota State, covering the +3.5-point spread and the game went over the 138-point total. The Redbirds were almost perfect from the free-throw line with 93% and won the battle of the boards (38-26). Johny Kinziger led the Redbirds’ offense with 20 points and 4 rebounds, while Ty Pence added 17 points and 7 rebounds.

Kinziger leads Illinois State in scoring this season, with 14.5 points and 3.5 rebounds, while Pence adds 14.5 points and 6.5 rebounds. Illinois State will take on McNeese, Belmont, Pacific, Saint Louis, and Northern Illinois after this one.

Ohio Bobcats Preview

The Ohio Bobcats have a 1-1 record this season and are tied with 8 more teams in the third place of the Mid-American. They are 0-1 on the road (0-1 against the spread) and 1-0-1 in over/under.

Offensively, Ohio averages 80 points per game, which ranks 177th in the nation, while they are struggling defensively, allowing 82 points per game (307th). The Bobcats are in the middle of the pack in shooting percentages, with 47.8% from the field (142nd), and 35.7% from beyond the arc (145th). 

Ohio is coming off a 76-82 home win against UNC Asheville, failing to cover the -9.5-point spread and the game pushed the 158-point total. The game was very balanced between the two teams but UNC Asheville shot just 50% of their free throws, which proved crucial for the outcome. AJ Clayton led Ohio’s offense with 19 points and 3 rebounds, while four more Ohio players scored double digits.

Aidan Hadaway leads Ohio in scoring this season, with 14 points and 4 rebounds, while AJ Clayton adds 13.5 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists.

Why the Illinois State Redbirds will win

• Illinois State has won seven of its last eight games against non-conference opponents at CEFCU Arena.
• Ohio has lost five of its last six games when playing with a rest disadvantage.
• Illinois State has won the first half in each of its last seven night games against non-conference opponents at CEFCU Arena.

Why the Ohio Bobcats will win

• Illinois State has lost six of its last seven home games when playing with a rest advantage.
• Ohio has won eight of its last 10 games.
• Ohio has won the first half in three of its last four games against non-AP-ranked opponents.

Ohio Bobcats vs. Illinois State Redbirds Prediction

Ohio has won both previous meetings against Illinois State, covering the spread in both. In this Ohio Bobcats vs. Illinois State Redbirds Prediction, Illinois State is coming as -1-point home favorites. Neither team stands out so early in the season but Illinois State has a superior defense (67.5 points to 82). Combined with the home-court advantage, I expect a home win here for the Redbirds. So take the Illinois State Redbirds and lay the points at home.